Dave Taylor's Great Adventure

[Francis Farrell]

This is an interesting approach to historical re-enactment. I trust young Mr. Taylor does realize that he will be wearing only one boot and a" slipper" or brogue. As an old campaigner I would suggest he take along an oilskin groundcloth as well, blankets on the ground really allow the chill to sneak in and at my age the rheumatism kicks up now and again and youth is no protection. I hope he is careful with using any fire as the Union troops riding along the King's Highway will spot or smell it and if my memory is sharp enough Mr. Booth didn't have access to a fire while in the thicket. He also needs to be aware of the Public road that will run above him along the swamp near Allen's Fresh, Tom Jones took particular care when crossing near here. I might recommend that Mr. Taylor consider using the hospitality of Mr. Adams tavern. There are a couple of very intriguing references to visits there by a lame man in mid to late "65. The Colles property as Mr. Jones identified it, is near a spring so water will not be problem, unless it has dried up. As always the older memory takes a while to recall facts, but I seem to recall that there were some free blacks in the area who could provide either shelter or food, poor as it may be, its hot and filling. Dawn and dusk are times that Mr. Taylor needs to be careful as it is easy to be silhouetted against the backdrops , its also a good time to be not moving. When the sun sets ,avoiding the moon shadows will enable him to transit to Newport and a warm bed. The stump near the spring will also enable Mr. Taylor to mount more easily- he is going by horseback correct?

I look forward to learning more of his experiences

Yr. Ob. Svt

Francis Farrell